google-site-verification: google25a08fc65649193e.html Living in Mommywood: Daddy I need to go Potty dilemma

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Daddy I need to go Potty dilemma

I always love my conversations with my male BFF. He makes me think of things that either I have never really paid mind to or never thought of... period.

In one such conversation he bought up his touchy journey through Potty time with his little girl while out in public. He presented me with the question of what I thought would be best way to handle it. At which point I was really out of words because I had never even thought of that.
Mind you I am sure my ex went through it as have my brothers and any other male I have come across that has a little girl in his life.

I guess perhaps because l am a mother and automatically feel where I go my child can go I never imagined it would be any different for a dad but it clearly is. Especially bathroom time with small children.

So after a few laughs and sharing the types of ways he has handled it, I stopped and placed myself in his shoes and gave some thought to his dilemma.

Again clearly we females don't care what others in the bathroom will think and we will bring our sons in with us regardless. Especially if we are not accompanied by a male at the time.
But in my BFF bringing this to my attention I have come up with some sort of guideline that I think could be helpful. Let's see what you think.

While in public, Daddies if you are out with your little lady or ladies here is what I suggest:
1- from birth till about diaper run is close to over  (which should be no longer than Two) change them in the back seat of your car. Please make sure you have all the necessary tools to handle this swiftly and with care.
2- age two through five and this is one of the things my BFF said he has done, stop males at the door explain your daughter is using the bathroom and you need a few minutes. This in general shouldn't be a problem but as he also commented it would depend on how big a bathroom and venue. He said he usually tries to find a stall that is for single use. I say we work with what we have and communication will be our greatest tool.
After hearing a few of his choices I stayed with the one where I stand at the door and play guard. I chose this one only because when a girl has to go a girl has to go.
3- by age six (self wiping should be much better by now) you should have her go into women's bathroom and perhaps ask someone who looks helpful to just guide her in for you while you stand and wait outside the door. Every so often yelling in asking if all is ok.

Never, feel embarrassed or think twice about being vocal when it comes to your children. We as woman should understand and respect that you are standing by the doorway for a reason.

We commented on experiences where we have seen the dad take his little girl in the bathroom with him but concluded that because of the male set up it really just isn't the best choice. Granted sometimes there are little options but as I said I chose the one where I stand guard at the door and allow no one in till my little girl is done.

I want to hear your suggestions and I want you to share your experiences. Ask the males in your life what they have done or would do. And....I would love to hear from the daddies directly and see how they handled or would handle this daddy moment :)

21 comments:

  1. Very interesting post. What’s going to be funnier to a toddler than big goofy Daddy breaking it down to the Potty time?

    I do not want to ever be a mother but I still love kids. =)

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  2. So, so true Mari ! Great share !!!!!!!!!!

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    1. Thanks Biljana, I tell you until he commented I never paid attention can you believe that 😀

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  3. Love this Mari! I have a 3 year old girl and there are times that her daddy will need to take her with him. I loved it when you said to never feel embarrassed or think twice about being vocal when it comes to your children. I totally agree!

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    1. Jhanis, look at that something to start thinking about :)

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  4. I remember one time while at Friendly's my son went to the men's room and was in there too long for my comfort...I had a man check on him...he was having a bowel movement - lol Thank you for being a part of my Thankful Thursday and your nomination of a Liebster Award - should you chose to accept it - http://bit.ly/1d3BlnM

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    1. Antionette, thanks for nomination!!xoxo love the share lol

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  5. I was just introduced to your blog by A. Blake and I like your blog. I have been the woman who men have asked to take their daughter to the Ladies Room more times than I can remember. Only, because I offer my services. Not too many people will trust you with their kids, so I am honored. I will be back to read more. . .

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    1. Kurves, welcome so happy to have you here. Thanks for share glad you have been able to be the helpful female :) . Come visit again :)

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  6. I guess I never really thought of this either! I was a single mom when my daughter was little so I was with her all the time. I just dragged my son into the ladies room with me when his dad wasn't there. I'm glad those days are over :). My kids can go in to their respective bathrooms all alone now!

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    1. Candace, I somehow think little boys have it slightly easier than little girls when it comes to this matter :). Glad those days are over for sure

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  7. This is something that my poor husband is going to have to start dealing with at some point... I should have him read this post, but I don't want him to start worrying about this yet, we still have a year or so before this becomes an issue!

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    1. Mityn, welcome thanks for comment. Maybe you can save post for future share lol.

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  8. Well, this will surely be The Hubs one day, as currently, our daughter is only 6 months...

    My potty dilemma, though, will occur in the not too distant future when my son begins potty training: I can see it now...Me, my son, and my daughter will be trolling the aisles of the grocery store -- cart full of items -- and my son will say he needs to go potty, which, will be a gross inconvenience. But off I will go, leaving the cart unattended (while praying that no one pilfers my items) as the three of us schlep off to the bathroom -- mind you, my daughter will be in a baby carrier.
    Sigh.

    I know that day is coming. And I'm NOT looking forward to it.

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  9. Courtney you are hilarious . Well I wrote post on potty training see if you can get some help there when time comes lol. Meantime yes start prepping :) thanks for visit as always.

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  10. When my daughter was five, I started to let her use the women's bathroom in public places. I did stand by the door and was always willing to explain myself.

    More than once, a woman would offer to help as she saw me standing by the door.

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  11. Never thought about this as we have a son.. Great read and info. I hope to have another child soon

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  12. Marni thanks for visit. I didn't either until my friend bought it to my attention :). Hope to see you here again soon:)

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  13. There are 'parent' facilities here mostly now. It keeps the baby change areas out of the high traffic boy and girls rooms and means that anyone can feel comfortable taking their child to the toilet.

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    1. Purfylle wow that sounds great. Very helpful in tough spots, thanks for visit and share:)

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